London-listed Global Ports Holding (GPH) has finalised a 50-year contract to manage cruise services at Liverpool Cruise Port, aiming to capitalise on the burgeoning Northern European, British, and Irish cruise markets.
Global Ports Holding (GPH) has officially sealed a 50-year agreement with Peel Ports Group’s subsidiary, The Mersey Docks and Harbour Company, to oversee cruise operations at Liverpool Cruise Port. The signing ceremony, held at the picturesque Liverpool Cruise Terminal, marked a significant milestone in the port’s history, with leaders from GPH, Peel Ports Group, and Liverpool City Council in attendance.
Liverpool Cruise Port serves as a pivotal destination for American and European travelers, serving as a gateway to the Northern European and Round Britain cruise markets, according to GPH. Anticipating continued growth in cruise travel, GPH plans to invest up to £25 million ($31.45 million) in infrastructure and enhancements under the agreement with Mersey Docks And Harbour Company.
This investment will include the addition of a new floating dock to accommodate simultaneous berthing of two 300-meter ships and over 7,000 passengers daily. Furthermore, GPH aims to construct a new terminal building featuring waterfront retail and hospitality offerings, enriching the passenger experience for both cruise visitors and local residents.
Recognising Liverpool Cruise Port’s infrastructure limitations, GPH expects to commence operations this month, with investments expected to boost passenger capacity to over 200,000 in 2024, compared to 186,000 in the previous year. Upon completion of infrastructure development, annual passenger numbers are forecasted to surpass 300,000, signaling a promising future for the port.
Mehmet Kutman, Chairperson and CEO of Global Ports Holding, expressed gratitude to Liverpool City Council and Peel Ports for their support, highlighting Liverpool’s maritime heritage and the potential for further success. GPH aims to collaborate with stakeholders to enhance Liverpool Cruise Port’s standing as a premier cruise destination in the British Isles.
